About Greater Eugene

About Greater Eugene is all about Greater Eugene and the folks behind the scenes that can help you move to this fantastic business-friendly location. The last best place on the west coast to do business. That’s all about Greater Eugene.

The Greater Eugene staff lives to help you live here.

Here for you

Greater Eugene Inc. is the official source of economic development and business information for Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Oregon. For more information about business recruitment, re-location, retention, or expansion please contact the Economic Development Response Team.

The Greater Eugene staff lives to help you live here.

Here for you

Greater Eugene Inc. is the official source of economic development and business information for Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Oregon. For more information about business recruitment, re-location, retention, or expansion please contact the Economic Development Response Team.

Christine Lundberg
President

Born and raised in Springfield, Mayor Christine Lundberg is the city’s 37th mayor. She has served as mayor since 2010.

Mayor Lundberg was first elected to the Springfield City Council in 1999 and served Ward 1, the Gateway Area for more than a decade, through times of tremendous development and change. During that time, the Peacehealth hospital at Riverbend was built and transportation improvements to I-5 and Beltline were planned, which included the flyover.

In addition, two urban renewal districts were formed, one in Downtown and the other in Glenwood. Both areas have seen a rebirth of interest, commitment and development during this time.

Mayor Lundberg serves as the President of the Greater Eugene Inc. Board of Directors.

Christine Lundberg
President

Born and raised in Springfield, Mayor Christine Lundberg is the city’s 37th mayor. She has served as mayor since 2010.

Mayor Lundberg was first elected to the Springfield City Council in 1999 and served Ward 1, the Gateway Area for more than a decade, through times of tremendous development and change. During that time, the Peacehealth hospital at Riverbend was built and transportation improvements to I-5 and Beltline were planned, which included the flyover.

In addition, two urban renewal districts were formed, one in Downtown and the other in Glenwood. Both areas have seen a rebirth of interest, commitment and development during this time.

Mayor Lundberg serves as the President of the Greater Eugene Inc. Board of Directors.

Jeff ElliotSecretary

Jeff Elliot is the Astec Industries, Inc. Group Vice President Aggregate & Mining, an international company including subsidiaries in South Dakota, Illinois, and Northern Ireland, in addition to two Lane County units including Johnson Crushers International and Peterson Pacific Corp.

Jeff graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Business Administration.

Nigel FranciscoTreasurer

Nigel Francisco was born and raised in Eugene Oregon. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Ninkasi Brewing Company. Ninkasi Brewing Company is one of the top 50 Craft Breweries in the United States. Before Ninkasi, Nigel spent 7 years in the airline industry working for Horizon Air (Alaska Air Group). Being a pilot for Horizon gave Nigel the opportunity to see much of the northwest from the air and the ground. Nigel is also on the board of directors for the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and plays an active role participating in many community events. When not working Nigel enjoys visiting many of the fine restaurants, wineries and breweries Oregon has to offer.

Melissa Mathison

Melissa Mathison is an Economic Development Specialist, working closely with the director in supporting projects and initiatives that encourage, promote, and help achieve a vibrant regional economy. With over 20 years working with companies such as Microsoft and Zephyr Photonics, Melissa manages a variety of projects, assists with financial management, and maintains relationships with prospective clients and a regional network of economic development organizations.

Jeff ElliotSecretary

Jeff Elliot is the Astec Industries, Inc. Group Vice President Aggregate & Mining, an international company including subsidiaries in South Dakota, Illinois, and Northern Ireland, in addition to two Lane County units including Johnson Crushers International and Peterson Pacific Corp.

Jeff graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Business Administration.

Nigel FranciscoTreasurer

Nigel Francisco was born and raised in Eugene Oregon. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Ninkasi Brewing Company. Ninkasi Brewing Company is one of the top 50 Craft Breweries in the United States. Before Ninkasi, Nigel spent 7 years in the airline industry working for Horizon Air (Alaska Air Group). Being a pilot for Horizon gave Nigel the opportunity to see much of the northwest from the air and the ground. Nigel is also on the board of directors for the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and plays an active role participating in many community events. When not working Nigel enjoys visiting many of the fine restaurants, wineries and breweries Oregon has to offer.

Melissa MathisonEconomic Development Specialist

Melissa Mathison is an Economic Development Specialist, working closely with the director in supporting projects and initiatives that encourage, promote, and help achieve a vibrant regional economy. With over 20 years working with companies such as Microsoft and Zephyr Photonics, Melissa manages a variety of projects, assists with financial management, and maintains relationships with prospective clients and a regional network of economic development organizations.

Greater Eugene, Inc. Directors

Richard Boyles

Since 1989, Richard Boyles has been engaged in the development, financing and ownership of hotel projects and other real estate development ventures. For more than 20 years Richard has served as the President of Sycan B Corp. and InnSight Hotel Management Group, Inc. He additionally oversees the business of several related entities.
Richard received an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in International Business from the University of Oregon Honors College. Richard currently serves as an Oregon Tourism Commissioner (term 2016-2019). He has served on the board of Travel Lane County since 2004, including past service as board chair. Additionally, Richard is a board member of Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association and serves on the Advisory Council of the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College. Richard’s service with Greater Eugene, Inc. is motivated by the same commitment to producing results which informs his business and other volunteer endeavors.

Richard enjoys travel and exploring the world at large with his wife Pamela, but has yet to find a place that compares with all that Oregon has to offer.

Michael Eyster

Michael Eyster, a longtime Springfield resident, is recently retired from more than two decades at the University of Oregon where he served in various leadership positions. Mike has served on many local boards, including Travel Lane County, Lane Transit District, City Club of Springfield and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Mike received the prestigious First Citizen of Springfield award from the Chamber in recognition of his leadership and many contributions to the community. Mike has a strong interest in economic development and looks forward to collaborating with other SUB Board Members and local entities to serve our region.

Erik Jensen

Erik Jensen is an active community leader and volunteer having served as Chairman of the Board of numerous local non-profit organizations. With a mind for business, Erik’s professional career spans 33-years as an experienced banker, lender, real estate appraiser, sales and business consultant. Erik’s interests include motor sports and riding his Harley Davidson with his bride Jeanine Jensen.

Steven J. Korth

Mr. Korth is the director of real estate and development for his family business, McKay Investment Company, LLC. He has been a Director at Summit Bank since 2008 and has served on boards of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Community Foundation, and was the former board president of Lane Metro Partnership before becoming a current Director for Greater Eugene, Inc. He is also active in local government, having served on the Mayor of Eugene’s Economic Development Committee, the Eugene Enterprise Zone Committee, and as a member of the Eugene School Districts “Shaping 4-J’s Future” task force.

Sid Leiken

Sid Leiken was born in Roseburg, Oregon, where his family owned and operated timber and building development companies. His family eventually moved to Eugene where he graduated from South Eugene High School.

Sid attended college at both University Texas/Arlington and Northwest Christian University. He later served on the board of trustees at Northwest Christian University.

Commissioner Leiken was elected to the Lane County Board of Commissioners in November, 2010, and was sworn into office January 3, 2011. His previous civic duties have included serving on the Springfield Budget Committee, Springfield City Council from 1998-2000, and as Springfield Mayor from 2000-2010. Sid has served on several boards and commissions, including the Governor’s Transportation Vision Committee, as Chair of the League of Oregon Cities Transportation Committee, and in 2007 was honored by his colleagues around the state with the Oregon Mayor’s Association Mayor’s Leadership Award, the top award given by the association. He is past chair of the board of commissioners, having served for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013. He is also co-chair of the Associated Oregon Counties Transportation Committee and also serves on the AOC legislative committee. Sid and Debbie were the 2013 chairs of the Lane Community College Foundation Harvest Dinner. 2013 was the most successful year since its inception and they raised almost $300,000. The Harvest Dinner and auction directly benefits student scholarships and programs.

Steve Mokrohisky

Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky (Mo-crow-hi-ski) has served in county government leadership for 17 years and as the county administrator in Lane County since May 2014. Steve has led with a focus on utilizing limited resources for critical services, practical financial management and meaningful public engagement. Lane County’s recent financial management efforts have been recognized by several independent agencies, including the Oregon Secretary of State and Moody’s Investors Service. In 2017, Lane County’s bond rating was raised to its highest recorded level due to efforts to create long-term financial stability. Previously Steve served as the Douglas County manager in Nevada where he led efforts to create financial stability, negotiate long-term contracts with employee unions, triple funding for road maintenance and construct a new community and senior center. As a result, Douglas County won numerous awards for innovation and its bond rating was raised to a historic level.

Steve received a B.A. from Marquette University and an M.B.A from the University of Wisconsin. He is also a public policy graduate of the Les Aspen Center for Government in Washington, D.C.

Steve, his wife Liz, and their two daughters love hiking the Ridgeline Trail and enjoying local parks, restaurants and culture. They spend their free time exploring the coast, the beautiful Cascades, and immersing themselves in all that Lane County and Oregon have to offer.

Vonnie Mikkelsen

Vonnie Mikkelsen was hired in 2015 as chief executive for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The Springfield Chamber is comprised of 750 member organizations in the Eugene-Springfield metro and surrounding Lane County communities, and delivers programs and services advancing education and workforce development initiatives, legislative advocacy, business retention and expansion, and business professional and leadership development. Mikkelsen is a member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Eugene, Cascades & Oregon Coast regional tourism board.

Sabrina Parsons

Sabrina Parsons is CEO of Palo Alto Software, based in Eugene, Or, and developer of the best-selling business management software, LivePlan. Palo Alto Software develops software and tools specifically targeted for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Sabrina assumed the CEO role in May 2007.

As a mother of 3 boys 12 and under, Sabrina is also the author of a blog about the challenges and rewards of being a “Mommy CEO”. She writes for Inc magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and Bplans.com.

Sabrina believes in community involvement and is helping and volunteering in different organizations in Eugene, OR to help further community programs public education in Oregon:

She sits on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Community Foundation, sits on the budget committee for the 4J School District, is on the board for the Charlemagne School PTO as the treasurer, and sits on the Lane County Stand For Children Strategy Team. She is also on the board of RAIN and Greater Eugene Inc., focused on brinigng more start-ups and high wage jobs to Eugene, Or.

She is a graduate of Princeton University.

Brittany Quick-Warner

Brittany Quick-Warner currently serves as the Interim President of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Eugene Sustainability Commission, the advisory board to the City Council on issues of environmental and economic sustainability; chairs subcommittee on sustainable economic development and business initiatives; executive board member, BRING Recycling; Better Eugene-Springfield Transit; and Junior League of Eugene.

Brittany graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science and a master’s degree in public affairs.

Jon Ruiz

As Eugene’s City Manager, Jon Ruiz works diligently to ensure ongoing social, environmental and economic progress for our community. Since Ruiz came on board in 2008, he has worked with City staff, elected officials and community members on pivotal development projects: leveraging over $300 million in public and private investment in our downtown area, including a placemaking initiative to ensure a thriving cultural, commercial and community center that is safe and welcoming to all; development of the Riverfront Master Plan, key to regional economic development and establishing a lasting legacy for our community; and preparing to host the 2021 World Track and Field Championships. Ruiz brings almost 30 years of municipal government experience to his position.

Lucy Vinis

Lucy Vinis has served as the Mayor of Eugene, Oregon since January 2017. She has been committed to the Eugene community for over 25 years in her professional and volunteer endeavors that focused on youth programs, responsible farming, and housing solutions; she most recently served as the Development Director at ShelterCare.

Craig Wanichek

Craig Wanichek is the President and CEO of Summit Bank. Mr. Wanichek has served as past chair of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and Cascade Health. In addition to Greater Eugene, Inc., he is currently on the Board of the Oregon Bankers Association and represents the state of Oregon on the Independent Community Bankers of America Federal Delegate Board. He is also a graduate of the University of Oregon.

Anne Fifield

Anne Fifield works with the City of Eugene’s private and public partners to implement strategic initiatives to expand economic opportunity in Eugene and the southern Willamette Valley. Specific activities include the construction of an open-access fiber network in downtown Eugene, implementing a brownfield assessment program, and supporting RAIN Eugene.

Courtney Griesel

Courtney Griesel is the City of Springfield, OR Economic Development Manager. She has a Masters of Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy & Management from the University of Oregon. She manages two urban renewal areas, the community enterprise zone, transient room tax program and citywide economic development. In 2016, she was honored by the University of Oregon with the Award for Distinguished Recent Alumna.

Sarah Means

Sarah Means is the Economic Development Manager for the Lane County Economic Development Division. Sarah focuses her time at Lane County on regional economic development working across our region and state on issues critical to our community. She was elected to the Oregon Economic Development Association Board of Director’s in May 2013 and was recently elected to the Vice-President role. Sarah also serves on the International Economic Development Council’s Public Policy Advisory Committee working on federal policy topics that impact community and economic development. Sarah previously worked for eight years as a land use planner for two different jurisdictions in Oregon. She holds an undergraduate degree in Planning, Public Policy, and Management and a graduate degree in Community and Regional Planning, both from the University of Oregon.

Greater Eugene, Inc. Directors

Richard Boyles

Since 1989, Richard Boyles has been engaged in the development, financing and ownership of hotel projects and other real estate development ventures. For more than 20 years Richard has served as the President of Sycan B Corp. and InnSight Hotel Management Group, Inc. He additionally oversees the business of several related entities.
Richard received an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in International Business from the University of Oregon Honors College. Richard currently serves as an Oregon Tourism Commissioner (term 2016-2019). He has served on the board of Travel Lane County since 2004, including past service as board chair. Additionally, Richard is a board member of Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association and serves on the Advisory Council of the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College. Richard’s service with Greater Eugene, Inc. is motivated by the same commitment to producing results which informs his business and other volunteer endeavors.

Richard enjoys travel and exploring the world at large with his wife Pamela, but has yet to find a place that compares with all that Oregon has to offer.

Michael Eyster

Michael Eyster, a longtime Springfield resident, is recently retired from more than two decades at the University of Oregon where he served in various leadership positions. Mike has served on many local boards, including Travel Lane County, Lane Transit District, City Club of Springfield and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Mike received the prestigious First Citizen of Springfield award from the Chamber in recognition of his leadership and many contributions to the community. Mike has a strong interest in economic development and looks forward to collaborating with other SUB Board Members and local entities to serve our region.

Brittany Quick-Warner

Brittany Quick-Warner currently serves as the Interim President of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Eugene Sustainability Commission, the advisory board to the City Council on issues of environmental and economic sustainability; chairs subcommittee on sustainable economic development and business initiatives; executive board member, BRING Recycling; Better Eugene-Springfield Transit; and Junior League of Eugene.

Brittany graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science and a master’s degree in public affairs.

Erik Jensen

Erik Jensen is an active community leader and volunteer having served as Chairman of the Board of numerous local non-profit organizations. With a mind for business, Erik’s professional career spans 33-years as an experienced banker, lender, real estate appraiser, sales and business consultant. Erik’s interests include motor sports and riding his Harley Davidson with his bride Jeanine Jensen.

Steven J. Korth

Mr. Korth is the director of real estate and development for his family business, McKay Investment Company, LLC. He has been a Director at Summit Bank since 2008 and has served on boards of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Community Foundation, and was the former board president of Lane Metro Partnership before becoming a current Director for Greater Eugene, Inc. He is also active in local government, having served on the Mayor of Eugene’s Economic Development Committee, the Eugene Enterprise Zone Committee, and as a member of the Eugene School Districts “Shaping 4-J’s Future” task force.

Sid Leiken

Sid Leiken was born in Roseburg, Oregon, where his family owned and operated timber and building development companies. His family eventually moved to Eugene where he graduated from South Eugene High School.

Sid attended college at both University Texas/Arlington and Northwest Christian University. He later served on the board of trustees at Northwest Christian University.

Commissioner Leiken was elected to the Lane County Board of Commissioners in November, 2010, and was sworn into office January 3, 2011. His previous civic duties have included serving on the Springfield Budget Committee, Springfield City Council from 1998-2000, and as Springfield Mayor from 2000-2010. Sid has served on several boards and commissions, including the Governor’s Transportation Vision Committee, as Chair of the League of Oregon Cities Transportation Committee, and in 2007 was honored by his colleagues around the state with the Oregon Mayor’s Association Mayor’s Leadership Award, the top award given by the association. He is past chair of the board of commissioners, having served for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013. He is also co-chair of the Associated Oregon Counties Transportation Committee and also serves on the AOC legislative committee. Sid and Debbie were the 2013 chairs of the Lane Community College Foundation Harvest Dinner. 2013 was the most successful year since its inception and they raised almost $300,000. The Harvest Dinner and auction directly benefits student scholarships and programs.

Steve Mokrohisky

Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky (Mo-crow-hi-ski) has served in county government leadership for 17 years and as the county administrator in Lane County since May 2014. Steve has led with a focus on utilizing limited resources for critical services, practical financial management and meaningful public engagement. Lane County’s recent financial management efforts have been recognized by several independent agencies, including the Oregon Secretary of State and Moody’s Investors Service. In 2017, Lane County’s bond rating was raised to its highest recorded level due to efforts to create long-term financial stability. Previously Steve served as the Douglas County manager in Nevada where he led efforts to create financial stability, negotiate long-term contracts with employee unions, triple funding for road maintenance and construct a new community and senior center. As a result, Douglas County won numerous awards for innovation and its bond rating was raised to a historic level.

Steve received a B.A. from Marquette University and an M.B.A from the University of Wisconsin. He is also a public policy graduate of the Les Aspen Center for Government in Washington, D.C.

Steve, his wife Liz, and their two daughters love hiking the Ridgeline Trail and enjoying local parks, restaurants and culture. They spend their free time exploring the coast, the beautiful Cascades, and immersing themselves in all that Lane County and Oregon have to offer.

Vonnie Mikkelsen

Vonnie Mikkelsen was hired in 2015 as chief executive for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The Springfield Chamber is comprised of 750 member organizations in the Eugene-Springfield metro and surrounding Lane County communities, and delivers programs and services advancing education and workforce development initiatives, legislative advocacy, business retention and expansion, and business professional and leadership development. Mikkelsen is a member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Eugene, Cascades & Oregon Coast regional tourism board.

Jon Ruiz

As Eugene’s City Manager, Jon Ruiz works diligently to ensure ongoing social, environmental and economic progress for our community. Since Ruiz came on board in 2008, he has worked with City staff, elected officials and community members on pivotal development projects: leveraging over $300 million in public and private investment in our downtown area, including a placemaking initiative to ensure a thriving cultural, commercial and community center that is safe and welcoming to all; development of the Riverfront Master Plan, key to regional economic development and establishing a lasting legacy for our community; and preparing to host the 2021 World Track and Field Championships. Ruiz brings almost 30 years of municipal government experience to his position.

Sabrina Parsons

Sabrina Parsons is CEO of Palo Alto Software, based in Eugene, Or, and developer of the best-selling business management software, LivePlan. Palo Alto Software develops software and tools specifically targeted for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Sabrina assumed the CEO role in May 2007.

As a mother of 3 boys 12 and under, Sabrina is also the author of a blog about the challenges and rewards of being a “Mommy CEO”. She writes for Inc magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Insider, Huffington Post, and Bplans.com.

Sabrina believes in community involvement and is helping and volunteering in different organizations in Eugene, OR to help further community programs public education in Oregon:

She sits on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Community Foundation, sits on the budget committee for the 4J School District, is on the board for the Charlemagne School PTO as the treasurer, and sits on the Lane County Stand For Children Strategy Team. She is also on the board of RAIN and Greater Eugene Inc., focused on brinigng more start-ups and high wage jobs to Eugene, Or.

She is a graduate of Princeton University.

Lucy Vinis

Lucy Vinis has served as the Mayor of Eugene, Oregon since January 2017. She has been committed to the Eugene community for over 25 years in her professional and volunteer endeavors that focused on youth programs, responsible farming, and housing solutions; she most recently served as the Development Director at ShelterCare.

Craig Wanichek

Craig Wanichek is the President and CEO of Summit Bank. Mr. Wanichek has served as past chair of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and Cascade Health. In addition to Greater Eugene, Inc., he is currently on the Board of the Oregon Bankers Association and represents the state of Oregon on the Independent Community Bankers of America Federal Delegate Board. He is also a graduate of the University of Oregon.

Anne Fifield

Anne Fifield works with the City of Eugene’s private and public partners to implement strategic initiatives to expand economic opportunity in Eugene and the southern Willamette Valley. Specific activities include the construction of an open-access fiber network in downtown Eugene, implementing a brownfield assessment program, and supporting RAIN Eugene.

Courtney Griesel

Courtney Griesel is the City of Springfield, OR Economic Development Manager. She has a Masters of Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy & Management from the University of Oregon. She manages two urban renewal areas, the community enterprise zone, transient room tax program and citywide economic development. In 2016, she was honored by the University of Oregon with the Award for Distinguished Recent Alumna.

Sarah Means

Sarah Means is the Economic Development Manager for the Lane County Economic Development Division. Sarah focuses her time at Lane County on regional economic development working across our region and state on issues critical to our community. She was elected to the Oregon Economic Development Association Board of Director’s in May 2013 and was recently elected to the Vice-President role. Sarah also serves on the International Economic Development Council’s Public Policy Advisory Committee working on federal policy topics that impact community and economic development. Sarah previously worked for eight years as a land use planner for two different jurisdictions in Oregon. She holds an undergraduate degree in Planning, Public Policy, and Management and a graduate degree in Community and Regional Planning, both from the University of Oregon.

Gino Grimaldi

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859 Willamette St., Suite 350 Eugene Oregon 97401

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Greater eugene Inc. is the official source of economic development and business information for Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Oregon. For more information about business recruitment, re-location, retention, or expansion please contact the Economic Development Response Team.

Connect with us

Connector.

Address

859 Willamette St., Suite 350 Eugene Oregon 97401

Connector.

Phone

541.686.2741

Connector.

Email

Here for you

Greater Eugene Inc. is the official source of economic development and business information for Eugene, Springfield and Lane County Oregon. For more information about business recruitment, re-location, retention, or expansion please contact the Economic Development Response Team.